Mubarak Re-Elected Head of Egypt's Ruling Party at Conference

Egypt's ruling National Democratic Party has re-elected President Hosni Mubarak as its chairman.

Mr. Mubarak won 99 percent of the votes cast by NDP officials Saturday at the opening of a party meeting in Cairo. He was the only candidate for the post.

Mr. Mubarak's son, Gamal, will oversee much of the conference as the head of the policy committee. Many people, particularly in the Egyptian media, believe the son is a likely successor to the president, but Gamal has denied having presidential ambitions.

Party officials are expected to address issues related to Egypt's national security, social development and economy.

While the country's economy has experienced seven percent annual growth, many Egyptian workers protest that the rich are benefiting more than the poor.